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Nicholas Pooran Likely To Continue Leading LSG As KL Rahul Battles Fitness Issues

Rahul might play as an impact player in RCB vs LSG in IPL 2024 (X.com)Rahul might play as an impact player in RCB vs LSG in IPL 2024 (X.com)

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran has indicated that KL Rahul might field as an impact player against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday as he is undergoing fitness drills and tests in the net sessions.

KL Rahul joined LSG in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season despite concerns over his quadriceps injury. While he was advised to drop wicket-keeping duties for the time being, Rahul turned a deaf ear to NCA officials and kept the wickets in the season opener, only to realise it wasn’t the best choice.

Eventually, KL Rahul dropped down to being an impact player with vice captain Nicholas Pooran taking over the leadership duties. He played as a batter in the first innings against Punjab Kings last week and was later substituted with fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq. Quinton de Kock kept the wickets in his absence.

KL Rahul's fitness status uncertain ahead of RCB clash

That being said, ahead of the high-octane RCB clash, suspense over KL Rahul’s fitness status continues to loom. When asked for clarity in the pre-match press conference, Pooran suggested the impact player role for Rahul will likely be perpetuated. 

The batter is going through drills in the nets and only after a final consultation, the management will take a call.

“We will see how he is pulling up at nets, and will make a decision based on that,” said Pooran.

Notably, KL Rahul participated in the net session but skipped wicket-keeping drills, which reflected his unreadiness and dubious fitness standards.

That being said, Pooran affirmed that he has been working tremendously hard for these past couple of years and is ready to take up any responsibility for the team on any given day.

“I’ve worked tremendously hard over the last couple of years on my batting. I’m happy to do whatever the team needs me to do. So, whatever is required of me on a given day, I’m ready for that opportunity,” he added.

LSG will take on RCB on Tuesday evening at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from 7.30 PM onwards.